SYDNEY: Already riding high on a 28 percent improvement in year-to-date sales (6457 against 5041 for the same period in 2014), Suzuki’s local arm sees the two small cars as key operators in boosting Australian sales.
“We are very interested in the iK-2 hatch and iM-4 crossover vehicles unveiled by Suzuki at the Geneva Motor Show and have requested the factory make these cars available for Australia,” said Andrew Moore, Suzuki Australia’s General Manager for Automobiles.
Along with the coming new Vitara SUV – due in September, likely with some very aggressive pricing – Mr Moore believes the production versions of the iK-2 and iM-4 can push Suzuki Australia toward the top spot with private buyers of compact SUVs and compact passenger cars.
“Suzuki is a hot brand right now with Swift sales up 72 percent and even Jimny Sierra up 107 percent, so we are very excited about the launch of the all new Vitara,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Moore added that there is a “possibility” of as many as four new model changes over the next two years.
With the Vitara, iK-2 and iM-4 representing three of those, the fourth new model could be the next Jimny, although recent reports point to a 2018 debut for the compact off-roader’s replacement.
In a two-year timeframe, a replacement for the large and now rather ancient Grand Vitara is the most likely contender, giving Suzuki a player in the important midsized SUV segment.
Mr Moore’s comments follow a declaration from Suzuki Australia chief Tony Devers last year, promising a flood of new models.
“It is evident that Suzuki Motor Company took a very conservative approach throughout the global financial crisis, however, the R&D investment is now fully deployed and exciting new product is guaranteed for the short and mid-term,” Mr Devers said.
“Indeed, we will have at least one new Suzuki model every year for the next five years.”
One of those new models will undoubtedly be the next Swift hatch, and reports suggest it could also be joined by a pair of compact sedans: one designed for everyday practicality, the other as a more style-focused offering for younger buyers.
